Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph F. Runnells Jr.

Oct. 28, 1937 - Feb. 16, 2008

South Bend Tribune 2/19/2008

SOUTH BEND - Joseph F. Runnells Jr., 70, of South Bend, passed away after a short illness at 8:10 p.m. Saturday, February 16, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Mr. Runnells was born on October 28, 1937, in South Bend, and had resided in the Michiana area his lifetime.

On Feb. 11, 1958, he married Mildred E. Hite, who died June 27, 1977. On May 6, 1980, in South Bend, he married the former Mary Lou Frank, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Pamela S. (Kenneth) Bishop of South Bend, Tracy L. (Gary) Dickerson of South Bend and Lisa K. (the late Edward) Headley of Dowagiac, MI; two step-daughters, Brenda S. (Phillip) Carlson of Ontonagon, MI, and Cindy A. (Tony) Harris of Houston, TX; a son, Ronald F. (Karen) Runnells of South Bend; two stepsons, Cory L. (Dawn) Kiser of Walkerton, IN, and Thomas C. (Becky) Kiser of South Bend; and sisters, Janet (Dominick) Martino of Mishawaka, Barbara L. Hietz of New Albany, IN, and Patricia A. (James) Rhoton of Granger. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished.

At the time of becoming ill, Mr. Runnells was employed at H.P.M. Incorporated in Elkhart. He loved NASCAR, motorcycles, and most of all his loving family. He will be sadly missed by his loving family and numerous friends he made during his life journey. He was a member of the Gold Wing Riders Association.

His wishes were to be cremated, which his family honored, and a memorial service will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesday (today), February 19, in Hanley & Sons Funeral Home, located at West Ireland Road / Indiana 23, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, PLEASE make all memorial contributions to the St. Joseph County Cancer Society. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extend its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Runnells family.